Memphis Democrat
November 30, 2006

Greetings from Dancing Rabbit! This is Alline, writing the column for the first time in years and years. It’s good to be back.

The highlight of this past week was, of course, Thanksgiving. The food abundant and delicious and we were reminded once again that we have so much to be thankful for. We had a joyously large crowd. Joining us from Sandhill were Laird, his daughter Jo and son Ceilee (and his dog Zeus); Kathe and Michael; Gigi and Renay; Sue, Betsy and Betsy’s mom Marjorie; and Otto. Dave Courard-Hauri, DR founder, friend and board member, came down from Iowa with his two delightful daughters in tow. We were sorry that Freddie was ill and unable to join us. Alyson, Mark, Chad and Kim from Red Earth Farms completed our circle.

The Skyhousers had set the tables with linen tablecloths, napkins, and candles. The setting was warm, homey and yes, even elegant. After taking our seats Tamar led us in sharing, one by one, what we were grateful for. As we spoke, we sipped sweet apple cider made by Alyson and Mark. It was a moving reminder of how fortunate we are. And then, of course, it was time to eat. Sandhill brought a beautifully roasted turkey, and Cecil had made what he calls “To-flump” – tofu with stuffing inside. Delicious! But that was only the beginning. The tables were groaning under the weight of mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, homemade bread, gravy, four kinds of cranberry sauce (thanks to Cynder who helped me make two of them!), fruit salad, rice pilaf…and then there was dessert. Absolute heaven on a plate. Thanks to everyone who contributed with food and with help. Thomas and Kim washed millions of dishes, and Jennifer and Ron made dozens of trips back and forth to the Community Building hauling plates, chairs and tables. After dinner a few of us waddled to Skyhouse’s living room and played charades. We were all floored when the kids knew Kim Jong Il – charades with the Rabbits is never dull!

We missed Ted, Sara and Aurelia who took the train up to Chicago to have Thanksgiving with family. Aurelia’s cousins were especially enamored with her (how could they not be?) and everyone seemed to have had an enjoyable time.

In other (food-related) news, Kurt and I had a lovely evening at Sandhill last week, during which we placed our order for Girl Scout cookies with Renay. As we waxed rhapsodic about the glories of Thin Mints and the deliciousness of Peanut Butter Sandwiches our mouths began to water. I think I actually drooled. We then plummeted back down to earth when Renay informed us that our cookies would be delivered in January. January? What happened to instant gratification and girls in uniforms going door-to-door with boxes of cookies? I guess things have changed a bit in the 40-odd (very odd) years since I was a Scout!

The unseasonably warm and balmy weather has brought on a flurry of outdoor activity. Most days one can hear the calls of “up!” from the Ultimate Frisbee field and the sounds of the Johnson children laughing from the swing and the courtyard. Suzanne has been going like gangbusters on the garden by Bella Ciao, getting it bedded down for the winter. Tom and Kurt have both been cutting firewood (anything to be outside!), Tony has been hula-hooping and Thomas can be heard pounding away on his latest wood project.

Late Friday night Amy and Juan finally returned from their 6-week honeymoon extravaganza. They visited Juan’s relatives in Buenos Aires, Argentina, were guests of honor at a wedding reception in New Jersey, and attended Amy’s brother’s wedding in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. We were afraid that the two of them would prefer a glamorous life on the beach sipping Mai Tais to farm life here in Rutledge, and so were thrilled when we saw their smiling faces on Saturday. Also returning was Bob, who spent ten no-less-glamorous days in Texas. We really missed his calming presence, and are so happy to have him back!

In literary news, I am pleased to announce the formation of a new book group. At our inaugural meeting, hosted by Ann Jutte, we discussed “Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Our next meeting will be held December 15th at LaGene Padgett’s home in Memphis. The book we will be discussing is “Tortilla Curtain” by T.C. Boyle. New members are welcome and encouraged! If you are interested in joining, please give me a call at 660-883-5634.

That’s it for this week!

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